Mr. Waits is an attorney in private practice and has also been a small business owner. A lifelong resident of the 3rd district, he has served on the Jackson County Legislature since he was first elected in 1986. He serves on the YMCA Board of Directors, on the Industrial Development Authority, was Past President of the Inter-City Kiwanis Club, a member of the Missouri Bar, and is an active sponsor of youth sports. Mr. Waits graduated from the UMKC School of Law in 1986, and also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UMKC in 1971.

District MapCommittee Chair - Anti-Drug
Committee Member - Finance & Audit
- Land Use (Vice Chair)
- Chairman of Jackson County Legislature for 2008 and 2011
- First elected to the Legislature in 1986